Tasmania’s East Coast Food Road Trip: Seafood, Wineries and Coastal Drives

Tasmania’s East Coast is a road trip defined as much by what you eat as what you see. Along this stretch of coastline, fresh seafood, cool-climate wines and farm-gate produce are never far from view, and are often served with sweeping ocean backdrops and a slower, more considered pace of travel.

From Hobart to the Bay of Fires, this journey blends white-sand beaches, national parks and some of the island’s best food experiences. Travelling in the cooler months adds another layer to the experience, with crisp air, fewer crowds and more time to linger over long lunches and coastal views.

With the flexibility of your own Europcar vehicle, it’s easy to move between cellar doors, seaside towns and hidden beaches, turning the drive into a series of memorable stops rather than a simple journey.

Hobart

Begin your journey in Hobart, where historic streets, waterfront dining and a thriving food scene set the tone for what’s ahead. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore before hitting the road, whether you’re wandering through Salamanca Place, visiting galleries or enjoying fresh seafood along the harbour.

If time allows, a short drive and ferry ride south to Bruny Island offers a rewarding detour, known for its local cheeses, oysters and rugged coastal scenery.

Before leaving the city, it’s worth taking the time to enjoy a long lunch or sample local produce at one of the markets or food hubs. Hobart is also the ideal place to pick up your vehicle, giving you the freedom to leave the city on your own schedule and follow the coast at your own pace.

Hobart to Freycinet Peninsula

Drive time: approximately 2.5 hours

Heading north, the landscape begins to shift from city to coastline, with rolling farmland and glimpses of the ocean appearing along the way. This stretch sets the tone for the journey, where food and scenery naturally go hand in hand.

Arriving at Freycinet Peninsula, the region’s beauty is immediately clear. Home to Wineglass Bay, this is one of Tasmania’s most iconic coastal landscapes. The walk to the lookout is well worth it, especially in cooler weather when the air is crisp and the views are often clearer.

Back at sea level, the focus returns to food. Freycinet is known for its fresh seafood, particularly oysters, which are often harvested locally and served just metres from the water. Pairing a seafood lunch with a glass of Tasmanian white wine while overlooking the coastline is one of the defining experiences of the region.

Freycinet to Bicheno

Drive time: approximately 45 minutes

A short drive north brings you to Bicheno, a relaxed coastal town where the rhythm of the trip begins to slow.

Here, simple food experiences take centre stage. Fish and chips by the water, a casual café stop or a bakery visit can easily become a highlight, particularly when paired with uninterrupted ocean views. The coastline itself is rugged and scenic, with rocky outcrops and quiet beaches offering places to pause between meals.

Enjoy the ultimate Tasmanian seafood experience at The Lobster Shack. Dine with a view on the outdoor deck and indulge in their menu of premium seafood, particularly the Southern Rock Lobster.

As the day winds down, Bicheno is also known for its wildlife, with little penguins returning to shore in the evening, a reminder that this journey is as much about nature as it is about food.

Bicheno to Bay of Fires

Drive time: approximately 2.5-3 hours

Continuing north, the East Coast becomes more remote, with long stretches of open road and fewer towns along the way. This is where having your own vehicle really comes into its own, allowing you to stop at roadside stalls, scenic lookouts and lesser-known beaches whenever something catches your eye.

Arriving at the Bay of Fires, the landscape feels almost untouched. Bright orange lichen-covered rocks, white sand and clear blue water create one of the most distinctive coastal environments in Australia.

This is also an ideal place to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed style of dining. Packing a picnic with local produce collected along the way with fresh bread, cheese, seafood and wine, allowing you to fully appreciate the setting. With fewer crowds in the cooler months, it often feels like you have the coastline to yourself.

On clear nights, this remote stretch of coast can also offer the chance to witness the Aurora Australis, where soft hues of green and pink occasionally light up the southern sky – an unforgettable addition to the journey if conditions align.

A Journey for Food Lovers

One of the defining features of Tasmania’s East Coast is how naturally food fits into the journey. Rather than planning every stop in advance, the best experiences often come from pulling over when something looks interesting, such as a roadside farm gate, a small vineyard or a seafood shack by the water.

The region’s cool climate produces excellent wines, particularly whites and sparkling varieties, while the surrounding ocean delivers some of the freshest seafood in the country. Travelling by car makes it easy to connect these experiences, moving from coast to countryside and back again in a single day.

Why Travel in the Cooler Months

Autumn, winter and the cooler months bring a quieter, more relaxed feel to Tasmania’s East Coast. The summer crowds have eased, the light is softer and the temperatures are ideal for both exploring and dining.

It’s a season that encourages slower travel with longer lunches, unhurried drives and more time spent taking in the surroundings. For food lovers, it’s also a great time to experience seasonal produce and enjoy cosy dining experiences that feel perfectly matched to the cooler weather.

The longer, darker nights also increase the chances of spotting the Aurora Australis, particularly along Tasmania’s east and south-facing coastlines where light pollution is minimal.

A Coastal Journey to Savour

From Hobart’s vibrant food scene to the wild beauty of the Bay of Fires, this is a road trip that brings together the best of Tasmania’s East Coast. It’s a journey where the highlights aren’t just destinations, but the moments in between, a fresh seafood lunch, a glass of wine overlooking the ocean, or a quiet beach discovered along the way.

With cooler days, fewer crowds and the possibility of star-filled skies and even the occasional glimpse of the Aurora Australis, it’s a road trip designed to be savoured, one stop and one experience at a time.

If you’re thinking about travelling to Tasmania during the Off Season, take advantage of our exclusive car hire offer.